Carly Gregg’s Top Car Picks for 2024
Carly Gregg has established herself as a trusted voice in automotive journalism, delivering comprehensive reviews and thoughtful analyses that help drivers make informed decisions. Her 2024 car picks represent a carefully curated selection spanning multiple categories, from high-performance sports cars to practical family sedans and forward-thinking electric vehicles. Whether you’re shopping for your first vehicle or upgrading to something special, Gregg’s recommendations offer valuable insights into what makes each model stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
The automotive landscape in 2024 continues to evolve rapidly, with manufacturers pushing boundaries in performance, efficiency, and technology. Carly Gregg’s selections reflect this dynamic environment, highlighting vehicles that deliver exceptional value, innovative features, and genuine driving satisfaction. This comprehensive guide explores her top picks across various segments, examining what makes each vehicle worthy of consideration and how they compare to their competitors.
Luxury Performance Vehicles
Carly Gregg’s luxury performance selections showcase vehicles that blend refined engineering with exhilarating driving dynamics. The BMW M440i xDrive emerges as a standout choice, offering a turbocharged inline-six engine producing 382 horsepower while maintaining sophisticated styling and premium interior appointments. This vehicle represents the sweet spot between everyday usability and weekend performance thrills, delivering 0-60 mph acceleration in approximately 4.4 seconds without sacrificing fuel efficiency or comfort.
The Porsche 911 Carrera remains a perennial favorite in Gregg’s reviews, celebrated for its perfect balance of heritage, performance, and practicality. With turbocharged flat-six engines available in various output levels, the 911 continues to set benchmarks for sports car excellence. The latest generation features enhanced aerodynamics, improved interior technology, and refined suspension tuning that makes it equally at home on winding mountain roads or extended highway cruises. For those prioritizing performance, the Mercedes-AMG C63 delivers a hand-assembled twin-turbocharged engine with 503 horsepower, sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems, and a cabin that exudes luxury at every touchpoint.
Carly Gregg particularly appreciates how these luxury performance vehicles integrate advanced driver assistance systems without compromising the engagement that enthusiasts crave. The combination of adaptive suspension technology, sophisticated traction control systems, and intuitive infotainment platforms creates driving experiences that appeal to both purists and tech-forward drivers. These vehicles represent significant investments, making understanding car insurance coverage options especially important for owners.
Practical Family Sedans
Beyond performance machines, Carly Gregg recognizes that most drivers prioritize practicality, reliability, and value. The Honda Accord continues to dominate the midsize sedan segment, offering a spacious interior, excellent fuel economy, and Honda’s legendary reliability reputation. Available hybrid and turbocharged engine options provide flexibility for different driving preferences, while the refined interior and responsive steering make daily commuting genuinely enjoyable. The Accord’s resale value remains exceptionally strong, making it a smart long-term investment for families.
The Toyota Camry represents another excellent choice in Gregg’s practical selections, combining bulletproof reliability with modern technology and comfort features. The available hybrid powertrain achieves impressive EPA fuel economy ratings while maintaining adequate performance for highway driving. Toyota’s comprehensive warranty coverage and extensive service network provide peace of mind that extends well beyond the initial purchase. For those seeking premium sedan comfort without luxury brand pricing, the Mazda6 delivers engaging handling, a well-appointed interior, and surprising performance from its naturally aspirated engine.
Carly Gregg emphasizes that practical sedan ownership extends beyond the initial purchase price. Maintaining these vehicles through regular service intervals, staying current with fluid changes, and addressing maintenance issues promptly ensures longevity and reliability. Following our comprehensive guide on car maintenance tips for beginners helps owners maximize their investment in these vehicles.
Electric Vehicle Innovations
The electric vehicle segment represents perhaps the most dynamic category in 2024, and Carly Gregg dedicates significant attention to EVs reshaping the automotive landscape. The Tesla Model 3 continues to lead the segment with its combination of performance, range, and Supercharger network access. The latest generation features refined styling, improved interior materials, and enhanced battery technology delivering over 300 miles of EPA-estimated range on standard configurations. The minimalist interior design and over-the-air software updates create a unique ownership experience that appeals to technology enthusiasts.
For those seeking luxury electric performance, the Porsche Taycan delivers stunning acceleration, sophisticated handling, and a cabin that rivals any luxury sedan in the world. Available configurations include both single and dual motor setups, with the Turbo variant achieving 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds. The Taycan’s 800-volt charging architecture enables rapid charging capabilities, reducing downtime between drives. Carly Gregg appreciates how Porsche engineered the Taycan to deliver authentic sports car engagement while eliminating tailpipe emissions.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV and Equinox EV represent compelling value propositions in the electric crossover segment, offering spacious interiors, competitive pricing, and respectable driving ranges. These vehicles democratize electric vehicle ownership, making zero-emission driving accessible to mainstream buyers without premium pricing. For detailed information on electric vehicle benefits and considerations, review our comprehensive advantages of electric vehicles article that explores ownership costs, environmental benefits, and practical considerations.
Carly Gregg notes that electric vehicle ownership requires understanding charging infrastructure, home charging installation, and battery management practices. These vehicles represent the future of automotive transportation, offering exceptional efficiency, lower operating costs, and environmental benefits that align with sustainable driving practices.
SUVs and Crossovers
The SUV and crossover segment dominates modern automotive sales, and Carly Gregg’s selections span multiple sizes and price points. The Lexus RX 500h F Sport combines hybrid efficiency with premium comfort, offering a spacious cabin, cutting-edge technology, and Lexus’s renowned reliability. The turbocharged hybrid engine delivers responsive performance while maintaining impressive fuel economy for a vehicle of its size. The RX’s sophisticated interior materials, advanced safety systems, and intuitive controls create a compelling ownership experience for families prioritizing comfort and refinement.
For adventure-focused drivers, the Toyota 4Runner remains unmatched in its capability to handle challenging terrain while providing genuine interior comfort. The available hybrid powertrain improves fuel economy without compromising the robust four-wheel-drive system. The spacious three-row interior accommodates large families or extensive cargo, while Toyota’s legendary reliability ensures these vehicles maintain value and functionality across decades of ownership.
The BMW X5 represents the pinnacle of luxury SUV design, offering dynamic handling that belies its substantial size, a meticulously crafted interior, and advanced driver assistance technologies. Available turbocharged and hybrid powertrains provide flexibility for different performance preferences, while the sophisticated suspension tuning delivers engaging driving dynamics. Carly Gregg particularly appreciates how BMW engineered the X5 to feel more like a high-performance sedan than a traditional SUV, despite its commanding presence on the road.
For budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable transportation, the Honda CR-V delivers proven reliability, spacious cargo area, and efficient powertrains at competitive pricing. The CR-V’s intuitive controls, comfortable seating, and strong safety ratings make it an ideal choice for families. The available hybrid variant achieves excellent fuel economy while maintaining adequate performance for highway driving and merging situations.
Value Champions
Carly Gregg recognizes that not every buyer requires premium brands or advanced technology. The Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Tucson represent exceptional value propositions, offering modern styling, reliable powertrains, and comprehensive warranty coverage at accessible price points. Hyundai’s 10-year powertrain warranty provides confidence and peace of mind, reducing ownership anxiety during the critical early years of vehicle life.
The Kia Sportage delivers competent crossover capability with upscale interior finishes and modern technology features at prices significantly below premium competitors. Kia’s recent quality improvements and reliability enhancements have positioned the brand as a genuine alternative to established Japanese manufacturers. The Sportage’s efficient engines, spacious interior, and stylish design appeal to buyers seeking maximum value without compromising on quality or features.
These value champions often outperform their pricing would suggest, offering features and capability that rival vehicles costing thousands more. Carly Gregg emphasizes that smart automotive purchasing focuses on matching vehicle capability to actual needs, prioritizing reliability and long-term ownership costs over badge prestige.
Maintenance and Ownership Considerations
Regardless of which vehicle Carly Gregg recommends, proper maintenance ensures longevity, reliability, and optimal performance. Understanding scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid specifications, and preventive care practices separates vehicles that thrive from those that deteriorate prematurely. Regular oil changes represent perhaps the most critical maintenance task, and our detailed guide on how to change car engine oil provides step-by-step instructions for owners interested in DIY maintenance.
Brake system maintenance deserves particular attention, as brake pads wear predictably and require periodic replacement. Rather than waiting for warning lights or grinding sounds, proactive replacement maintains safety and prevents more costly rotor damage. Our comprehensive how to replace car brake pads guide walks owners through this essential maintenance procedure, empowering them to manage ownership costs effectively.
Carly Gregg consistently emphasizes that vehicle ownership extends beyond the purchase transaction. Maintaining manufacturer-recommended service intervals, addressing warning lights promptly, and investing in preventive maintenance maximizes vehicle longevity and resale value. Comprehensive information on car maintenance tips for beginners provides essential knowledge for new vehicle owners navigating ownership responsibilities.
For detailed reviews, specifications, and additional information about vehicles featured in Carly Gregg’s recommendations, visit the Drive Pulse Daily Blog for comprehensive automotive content covering maintenance, repairs, and purchasing guidance. Industry resources including Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and IIHS safety ratings provide additional perspectives on vehicle testing, performance, and safety capabilities.
FAQ
What vehicles does Carly Gregg recommend most frequently?
Carly Gregg consistently recommends vehicles offering balanced combinations of reliability, value, and practical capability. The Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Lexus RX models appear frequently in her selections due to their proven track records, strong resale values, and comprehensive feature sets.
Should I buy a new or used vehicle from Carly Gregg’s recommendations?
Carly Gregg acknowledges both strategies have merit. New vehicles offer manufacturer warranties and latest technology, while used vehicles provide significant cost savings and proven reliability data. The decision depends on personal budget, desired features, and risk tolerance regarding mechanical issues.
Are electric vehicles part of Carly Gregg’s recommendations?
Yes, Carly Gregg increasingly features electric vehicles in her selections, particularly as charging infrastructure expands and battery technology improves. She recommends EVs for buyers with predictable driving patterns, access to charging infrastructure, and interest in lower operating costs and environmental benefits.
How important is warranty coverage in Carly Gregg’s recommendations?
Warranty coverage features prominently in her analysis, particularly for luxury vehicles and value-brand options. Comprehensive warranties reduce ownership risk and provide peace of mind, especially during critical early ownership years when unexpected failures prove most costly.
What safety features does Carly Gregg prioritize?
Carly Gregg emphasizes vehicles achieving top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, featuring comprehensive driver assistance systems, strong structural designs, and intuitive safety controls. Modern collision avoidance systems, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring represent essential features in her recommendations.
